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Dry Fork Recreation Area

Dry Fork Recreation Area, a campground and picnic area located at the equestrian trailhead of the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail.  This area, located in central Missouri near Fulton serves recreationists with or without horses.  This campground is situated in a quiet mostly oak/cedar forest. 

It is comprised of 8 single primitive campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post.  Other amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, and hitching rails.   There is a picnic area across the road with picnic tables that can accommodate small groups. 

Current Conditions
Gates and services will start back up on April 15th. If a date falls on a weekend.

Reservations

General Information

This campground is situated in a quiet mostly oak/cedar forest and is comprised of 8 single campsites each with picnic table, fire ring, hitching rail, and lantern post.  Sites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.  Sites do not have utility hook-ups.  Other amenities include centralized drinking water and vault toilets.  There is a picnic area across the road with tables and grills that can accommodate small groups.  Fee donations encouraged.

RV Camping

8 sites can accommodate RVs up to 30' in length.  No hookups available at this location, but pressurized water system is available.  No cabins at this location.

Quiet Hours: 10pm to 6 am

When visiting, please remember

  • NO horses allowed on Pine Ridge Section of Cedar Creek Trail; alternate route available.
  • Fireworks are prohibited.
  • Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas.
  • No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites (16 for double sites).
  • Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground.
  • Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires. 

No Fees are required for this site.

Camping is $15/Night

Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.

  • Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
  • Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
  • Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
  • Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
  • Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
  • Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
  • Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.

USDA Forest Service Logo

Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 38.784231

Longitude: -92.125542

Directions

From Fulton, MO

  • take 54 south to Route H;
  • Make right to go west on Route H to Route J;
  • make right to go turn north on J to County road 356;
  • turn left to go west on County Road 356 to County Road 361;
  • turn left to go south for 1 mile. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Pressurized water system available year round.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Horseback Riding Info

The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail is managed for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. It consists of:

  • Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
  • Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
  • Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
  • Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.

Horse Camping Info

There are eight single sites and one group site across the road. Sites can accommodate RV’s up to 30 feet, but there are no electric hookups. Hitching posts are at each site for equestrian use. The campground has drinking water and vault toilet.

Backpacking Info

The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail is managed for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. It consists of:

  • Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
  • Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
  • Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
  • Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.

Biking - Mountain Info

The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail is managed for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. It consists of:

  • Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
  • Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
  • Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
  • Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.

Picnicking - Single Info

There are sites across the road from the camping sites with tables and grills. 

Last updated May 29th, 2025